PHUKET, 15 December, 2016 – The first Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous (KRSR) is being hailed by leading industry players as Asia’s top superyacht event, placing Phuket firmly on the global yachting map.
The KRSR raised Phuket to a new level, joining Monaco, St Tropez, Cannes and the Caribbean as one of the world’s most preeminent superyacht destinations.
Mr Bas Nederpelt Commercial Director Feadship said: “The organisers of the 2016 Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous have exceeded all our expectations. Kata Rocks hosted very energetic parties attracting the right crowd and organised a memorable owner’s dinner. The 2017 cruising season could not have had a better kick-off. With KRSR Phuket truly is now well and truly Asia’s top yachting destination.”
In total over 15 world-class superyachts assembled for this exclusive rendezvous, making it the most successful event of its kind on the Asian superyacht calendar. The KRSR offered a series of bespoke activities, glamorous parties and social events that effortlessly mixed networking and socialising in a relaxed and luxurious environment.
Private, extravagant and commercially significant, KRSR welcomed Phuket to the ‘superyacht society’ in grand style. With many luxury destinations now competing specifically for yachts, its fast becoming the best way to visit Phuket and its archipelago, the true sign of wealth, style and status has arrived.
Mr Richard Pope Kata Rocks’ & Infinite Luxury Chief Executive said that everyone was absolutely delighted by the overwhelming positive response.
“Overall we are thrilled by the response we have received from all KRSR participants. Feedback has been extremely positive and it is very gratifying to help elevate Phuket to elite status as a true luxury destination and superyacht playground.”
The unique atmosphere of the KRSR gave the feeling of discretion and intimacy for the selection of brands on display, many of which said they felt like members of an exclusive club by participating. This relaxed and fun setting gave guests time to talk and to experience the participating superyachts, making the goal of KRSR a huge success.
“We were very impressed with the inaugural Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous. It was a professionally organised event with an excellent social programme and an impressive array of yachts joining the rendezvous. As well as launching the Asia charter season we are confident that the KRSR will become an important fixture in the international yachting calendar,” Richard Lambert, Managing Director Asia Burgess said.
Chief Executive Richard Pope, General Manager Scot Toon, Infinite Luxury Director of Marketing Michael Nurbatlian plus other resort colleagues welcomed 250 esteemed guests, captains of industry and over a dozen superyacht owners: Mr Bas Nederpelt Commercial Director Feadship, Mr Jean-Marc Poullet Chairman Asia Burgess, Mr Richard Lambert Managing Director Asia Burgess, Mr Trenton Gay CEO, Gold Coast City Marina, Mr Dick Van Lent, Director Feadship, Mr Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina, Mr Bart Kimman Managing Director Asia Northrop & Johnson, Mr Sietse Koopmans CEO & owner of Zeelander Yachts, Dr Chettha Songthaveepol Chairman of Penta Media, Mr Adam Frost Founder & MD Seal Superyachts, Ms Nicky Andre, Managing Director Hemisphere Crew Solutions (Monaco), Mr Vrit Yongsakul Managing Director Princess Yachts South East Asia, and Mr Josh Lee Founder & MD of Lee Marine, and many more.
The opening cocktail party held at Kata Rocks was incredible at sunset with superyachts in the background, a stunning performance by the world fly board champion in the foreground while Thai pop opera superstars Fivera delivered a soaring vocal performance. Undoubtedly, one of the most extravagant superyacht parties of 2016!
Day two saw the entire fleet leave Kata Rocks in formation to cruise along Phuket’s west coast to The Surin Phuket, where invited guests indulged in a gourmet beach barbecue. Invitees were absolutely thrilled to cruise on the majestic and largest superyacht attending the rendezvous, the 93m MY Lauren L, experience the modern design of the Pershing 92 or satisfy the need for speed on the swift Zeelander Z44 among others.
Later that evening, Kata Rocks’ celebrated the launch of its own small batch hand crafted branded gin, ‘The Spirit of Kata Rocks’ to much acclaim at the KRSR ‘Gins of the World’ cocktail party.
The invitation-only Feadship Owner’s Dinner in a Kata Rocks Penthouse Sky Villa followed, with superyacht and Kata Rocks’ owner’s enjoying a lavish gala dinner, featuring a one of a kind culinary experience paired with Dom Pérignon, Penfolds ‘Grange’ 2010 and Louis XIII cognac by Rémy Martin among others.
During the dinner one of Thailand’s most prominent artists, Mr Watcharin Rodnit of Negarta Asian Art Gallery, created an original work of art that attracted a final silent auction bid of THB 150,000. The proceeds of the auction were donated to the Phuket Youth Sailing Club (PYSC), an organisation that aims to promote and develop sailing for the next generation of sailors on the island.
On the final day invited guests were impressed during the lively ‘yacht hop’, moving around to experience the 51m Dunia Baru’s ancient Phinisi pedigree, modern luxury on board the MY Princess 77, the classic feel of Dallinghoo Schooner or the racing thrill of the 34m Ocean Runner, among others.
Others enjoyed signature treatments at the award-winning Infinite Luxury Spa, a Penfolds Wine and Cheese Master Class and a Louis XIII cognac experience session, while industry representatives engaged influential editors from over a dozen luxury lifestyle media during a private champagne brunch in a Kata Rocks Sky Villa Penthouse. Meanwhile select VIP guests were also hosted for a champagne brunch while cruising the Andaman Sea on the 51m MY Northern Sun, courtesy of Burgess.
The KRSR closing celebration was billed as the charter season opening event. It exceeded all expectations with many calling it Phuket’s ‘party of the year,’ and remained crowded into the early hours of the following morning. Internationally renowned cross-over band, VieTrio, opened the show and played a moving rendition of the Thai national anthem in remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Then another live band got the party dancing as guests enjoyed yet another amazing buffet prepared by Kata Rocks Executive Chef Laia Pons and her culinary team.
The KRSR executive committee is delighted to announce that the 2017 Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous will be held from 8 to 10 December 2017. For all KRSR news and updates visit
www.katarockssuperyachtrendezvous.com.
ABOUT KATA ROCKS
Kata Rocks is a design driven, luxury resort and residence, located directly on the ocean front at the southern end of the famous Kata Beach, along Phuket’s sunset west coast. It features 34 iconic Sky Villas of one to four bedrooms, each offering its own private infinity-pool, expansive living and dining area, superbly appointed bedrooms and bathrooms. Each villa is equipped with latest interactive iPad technology allowing guests to control the world of the Sky Villa at the touch or swipe of a button. Along with exquisite dining options, pool side restaurant and bar, the resort also features the award-winning Infinite Luxury Spa and fitness suite. In October 2016, Kata Rocks had the honour of being named one of the 25 best hotels in South East Asia by the prestigious Conde Nast Travelers 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards. This brings the total to over 40 international awards. For more information please visit www.katarocks.com
The invitation-only Feadship Owner’s Dinner in a Kata Rocks Penthouse Sky Villa, withsuperyacht and Kata Rocks’ owner’s enjoying a lavish gala dinner
From left to right: Mr Jean-Marc Poullet (Chairman Asia Burgess), Mr Richard Lambert(Managing Director Asia Burgess), Ms Hwee Tiah (Business Development ManagerBurgess), and Mr Mark Woodmansey (Yacht
This beautiful 29m schooner Dallinghoo is a popular charter boat,often to be spotted sailing around Myanmar with charter guests.
This beautiful 29m schooner Dallinghoo is a popular charter boat,often to be spotted sailing around Myanmar with charter guests.
The 50m MY Northern Sun sleeps 12 guests and isoften to be found taking charter guests aroundsouth-east Asia. Inside, the boat has all the moderncomforts along with some befi tting Asian infl uences
From left to right: Painting that raised THB 150,000 (US$ 4,500) forthe Phuket Youth Sailing Club (PYSC). From left to right: Tim Sargeant(Marketing and Events Manager, Kata Rocks), Katy Gooch from th
Ms Nicky Andre, Managing DirectorHemisphere Crew Solutions (Monaco)Mr Bas Nederpelt Commercial DirectorFeadship
From left to right: Dr. Paye Srinarong from VieTrio, Jody Chapman from 77 Designand Dr. Chettha Songthaveepol, Owner of Penta Media; during the private mediachampagne breakfast
Kata Rocks celebrating the launch of itsown small batch hand crafted brandedgin, ‘The Spirit of Kata Rocks.’ From left toright: Mr. Nikolaus Prachensky (the artisangin distiller who crafted the Kata R
A stunning performance by the world fl y board champion during theKRSR opening party held at Kata Rocks